What Is 1991 Alabama State football team

Overview

The 1991 Alabama State University football team represented the Hornets during the 1991 NCAA Division I-AA football season. Competing as a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the team was led by head coach Louis Crews, who was in his 13th and final season at the helm.

The Hornets played their home games at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, a venue that has hosted the team for decades. Despite a losing overall record, the team remained competitive within the conference, finishing third in the SWAC standings.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, including a 4-4 mark in conference play.
• Head Coach:Louis Crews retired after the 1991 season, concluding a 13-year tenure that included multiple SWAC championships.
• Home Stadium:Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, served as the home field, with a capacity of over 21,000 spectators.
• Conference: The Hornets competed in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), one of the premier HBCU leagues in the FCS.
• Final Game: Their season concluded with a loss to Jackson State, a traditional SWAC powerhouse, on November 16, 1991.

Season Performance

The 1991 season was marked by close games and mid-tier conference performance. While not a championship year, the team demonstrated resilience and laid groundwork for future programs.

• Offensive Output: The Hornets averaged 20.3 points per game, reflecting moderate offensive efficiency across 11 contests.
• Defensive Struggles: They allowed an average of 24.1 points per game, indicating challenges in containing high-powered SWAC offenses.
• Key Victory: A notable win came against Mississippi Valley State, a 27-20 victory that boosted mid-season morale.
• Rivalry Game: The annual State Fair Classic was not played in 1991, as Alabama State did not face Prairie View A&M that year.
• Player Standout: Quarterback Reggie Holt led the passing attack, throwing for over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns.
• Season Finale: The final game against Jackson State ended in a 28-21 loss, sealing the team's non-winning record.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1991 season can be better understood by comparing it to recent and prior years in the program's history:

The table shows a gradual decline in performance from 1989 to 1992, with the 1991 season marking the midpoint of Crews’ final years. Though not a losing season in terms of conference play, the overall record signaled the end of an era. The transition to new leadership in 1992 under James Reid followed Crews’ retirement, reflecting a shift in program direction.

Why It Matters

The 1991 season holds historical significance as the final chapter of Louis Crews’ influential coaching career. It also reflects broader trends in HBCU football during the early 1990s.

• Legacy of Leadership: Louis Crews coached Alabama State for 13 seasons, amassing over 70 wins and multiple conference titles.
• Program Transition: His retirement marked the end of a stable era, leading to a period of rebuilding under new leadership.
• HBCU Representation: The team contributed to the visibility of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Division I-AA football.
• Player Development: Several 1991 players went on to careers in coaching or community leadership roles.
• Historical Record: The season is documented in university archives and NCAA records, preserving its place in sports history.
• Community Impact: Games at Cramton Bowl continued to serve as major social and cultural events in Montgomery.

The 1991 Alabama State football season may not have ended in a championship, but it remains a meaningful part of the school's athletic legacy. As a transitional year, it highlights the challenges and continuity inherent in collegiate sports programs.